Warner Brothers' inaugural UK signing back in 1970, their first two albums charting, heralded as marking 'the arrival of the intelligent, articulate rock musician', the singer the stuff of every boy's dream… and what a cool name for a band.

Released on Deram in 1975, this calling card brings seven of the British proggers' most popular compositions recorded at two UK dates that year in a reunion of the original line-up that nails their reputation as a classy and vital live act.

Harder than their studio counterparts, 'It Happened Today, 'Marie Antoinette', charting single 'Back Street Luv', and extended, blistering workouts of 'Propositions' and 'Vivaldi' summate the interplay between violin virtuoso Darryl Way and keyboardist/guitarist Francis Monkman and catch Kristina's distinctive voice in agreeably throaty form.

Thrummingly entertaining, a valid point of entry to an intriguing band, this is also timely: those first two releases - Airconditioning and Second Album - are being reissued by Warner's classy Rhino imprint.

***

Review by Peter Muir